Alvi’s Drift Signature Merlot

The Alvi’s Drift Signature Merlot is a South-African Merlot from Alvi’s Drift. The Merlot grapes for this wine come from vineyards further away from the Breede Rivier. Handpicked and fermented in Roto tanks for 7 days. After the vinification the wine matures for 8 months in French oak casks resulting in ripe and rich Merlot. Notes of cherries, prunes and tobacco with some delicate chocolate. This wine pairs well with duck or pasta dishes.

Alvi’s Drift

Alvi is an abbreviation for Albertus Viljoen, the official first name of the owner of this South-African winery in Worcester. His friends call him Alvi and he’s the third generation following his grandfather in the wine business. Albertus Viljoen van de Merwe was a farmer in Worcester, a 2 hour drive from Capetown. His estate was located on two sides of the river Breede Rivier so he built a drift (African for bridge) in 1928 to get an easy access to both parts. Soon this bridge was called Alvi’s Drift which is now used by Alvi van der Merwe as the name for the wines they produce. The family business owns 420 hectares with vineyards as well as 4000 cows, 200.000 chickens and several citrus and peach orchards. Alvi’s younger brother Johan manages the farm whilst Alvi supervises the winery. The vineyards located in the Breede Rivier valley in the Worcester district contain 19 grape varieties. Together with his team of wine makers Alvi produces a variety of wines with international allure.